When we think about health we normally think about our overall health or whatever is not working. We rarely think about our skin and even less about our scalp. When it comes to the head we focus on the health of the hair. Ironically the health of the hair is often related to the health of the scalp. We only pay attention to the scalp when we have a problem.

​We all have seen the commercial's promises that your hair will look beautiful using essential oils, moisturizing treatments and heavy conditioners. They have a beautiful model or celebrities promoting it . In watching this one particular commercial, I knew this company would have problems because they didn't understand the purpose of shampooing. When we take a shower and shampoo the purpose is not to wash the hair. We are cleansing the scalp and removing excess build up of oil, dead skin and messaging to stimulate the blood flow in the scalp to keep it healthy. If the scalp gets plugged with oil, dirt, heavy conditioners and waxes the scalp essentially suffocates and the hair falls out and cause eruptions on the scalp. The scalp needs to breath just like the skin on the rest of the body.

​The hair can fall out for many reasons. It can fall out if balding is hereditary. People lose their hair if they are having problems with the thyroid. Certain medications can cause the hair to fall out. Autoimmune diseases or a vitamin deficiency can also be the culprit. There are several scalp problems that can develop outside of or in conjunction with hair loss they are seborrhic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, tinea capitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions, alopecia simplex, alopecia areata, dermatitis hepetiformis ( a skin manifestation of celiac disease.) I want to state right now it is NOT normal to have your hair brush fill up quickly with hair or you shower drain to quickly get filled up with hair. You should be able to comb condition through the tips of your hair in the shower without a handful of hair coming out. If you see a lot of hair on the floor that is NOT normal. It doesn't matter if your hair is long you should not be losing a lot of hair. Many women think that the amount of hair they are losing is normal. If you are unsure ask a doctor if it is normal the amount of hair you are losing. Your body is quick to communicate when something is wrong; be quick to listen. Don't settle or give up even if you go to the doctor and they do a blood test and everything comes out normal. You know your body the best; be its advocate. It is the only body you will get.

​I know someone who has celiac disease and she has a bad reactions if she uses a shampoo with wheat in it. She will itch like crazy and her scalp would be inflamed with red blister like bumps and the scalp will be soar. Recently, she had her scalp react as if she was using a shampoo with gluten or oats in it so she started checking her shampoo and conditioner ingredients and it was not the shampoo or conditioner. Then she realized that the melatonin she was taking to sleep had wheat in it. She has been itching about the same amount of time she has been taking the melatonin. The melatonin ingested gave an outward manifestation of the celiac disease. The itching can be unbearable.

​Itchy scalp is a common problem. Keep a food journal and see if after you eat something if it causes the scalp to itch. You can always try the elimination diet to be more exact on what you are allergic to. People are allergic to more things than they are aware of. Your body will not always react in the clinical way of an allergy so don't disregard that it may be an allergic reaction. If the itchy scalp is caused by dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis than you can get a shampoo that has selenium or zinc pyrithione ingredients. Some natural ingredients would be virgin coconut oil, tea tree oil, Aloe Vera gel, lavender oil (calms inflamed skin).

​Whatever health issues or scalp issues you may have or whatever shampoo you choose be sure to message your scalp thoroughly. Message with your fingers in a circular motion applying pressure to the scalp. You want to make sure that the scalp is clean but more importantly the blood circulation is stimulated. If you can't adequately give yourself a scalp message you can ask your salon if they have scalp messages and go to the salon for one. If the salon doesn't know what that is don't go back. A stylist should be educated in giving a scalp message.

​Our skin and scalp is the largest organ and it is the first line of defense in keeping us healthy. If your skin, scalp or nails are showing something is wrong don't ignore it. Work hard to figure out with or, sadly in some cases, without your doctor what your body is trying to communicate to you. In some cases, it just may save your life.